Calls for a £1 ticket levy on large-scale music events and arenas to aid grassroots music venues have received support from Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. The proposal from Music Venues Trust (MVT) and Save Our Scene (SOS) aims to help save independent venues across the UK. It had already been backed by Members of Parliament. The funds raised by the levy would create a grassroots fund available for venues, promoters, and artists in financial difficulty. The idea is modelled on a similar system implemented in France.
Burnham has also supported a suggested VAT cut for music venues. “I fully support the recommendations published by the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee including the introduction of a levy and a targeted VAT cut to halt the rising tide of closures,” he said. “However, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to support venues and the talented artists playing them.”
The proposal was developed by a collective of representatives from bodies such as National Arenas Association, Live Music Exchange (LIVE), and Music Venue Trust. 2024 has already seen the closure of an average of five nightclubs per week in the UK, while 2023 was a record year for ticket sales for larger artists and corporations, with enormous stadium tours globally.
Funds from the levy would help to maintain the artist pipeline from grassroots venues to providing more established stages, which has been endorsed by British band, The Libertines. They stated: “The UK grassroots music circuit is more than just small local venues. It is absolutely crucial to emerging talent.” Cross-party select committee chair, Dame Caroline Dinenage, noted that the UK’s status as a music powerhouse would be harmed if the grassroots sector was allowed to waste away
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